Infrared Spectroscopy of $$\hbox {CH}_4/\hbox {N}_{2}$$ and $$\hbox {C}_{2}\hbox {H}_{m}/\hbox {N}_{2}$$C2Hm/N2 ($${m = 2, 4, 6}$$m=2,4,6) Gas Mixtures in a Dielectric Barrier Discharge

Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy of \(\hbox {CH}_{4}/\hbox {N}_{2}\) and \(\hbox {C}_{2}\hbox {H}_{m}/\hbox {N}_2\) (\(m = 2, 4, 6\)) gas mixtures in a medium pressure (300 mbar) dielectric barrier discharge was performed. Consumption of the initial gas and formation of other hydrocarbon and of nitrogen-containing HCN and \(\hbox {NH}_{3}\) molecules was observed. \(\hbox {NH}_{3}\) formation was further confirmed by laser absorption measurements. The experimental result for \(\hbox {NH}_{3}\) is at variance with simulation results.